Based on the view that strategies to eradicate poverty must be centered on the realization of children's rights, this report describes the experiences of the 48 least developed countries (LDCs) during the 1990s. The report defines LDCs and provides a rationale for using progress in ensuring children's rights as a yardstick for measuring poverty. Differences between LDCs and other developing countries are identified, including higher infant and child mortality rates and higher population growth rates. The report notes that the average income gap between LDCs and other developing countries widened during the 1990s, although there were wide regional differences in LDCs economic performance; despite commitments at the World Summit for Children in 1990, official development assistance to LDCs declined during the decade; 11 LDCs experienced a reversal in average life expectancy in the 1990s primarily because of HIV/AIDS; and conflict in several LDCs impeded progress, destroyed physical infrastructure, displaced millions of people, and devastated children's lives. Basic services are described as providing the foundation for poverty reduction; progress in providing education, health and nutrition, and water and sanitation services is detailed. Child laborers and girls are identified as particularly vulnerable populations in LDCs, requiring special commitment for their protection. The report also discusses the crippling national debts of LDCs as a principal reason for the low percentage of national budgets being allocated for basic social services. The report concludes by noting that although children in LDCs remain among the most vulnerable, examples exist showing that it is possible to improve social services for children. (Contains 26 references.) (KB)